Rethinking Rosé
It’s early September, the symbolic end of the summer season, so you’re probably wondering why I’ve decided to waste your time chatting about rosé wine when everyone is already anticipating all the soul-soothing warmth and bear-hugs that rich, robust wines will bring once cool weather sets in. Well, I’m hoping to debunk the myth that pink wines equal simple, quaffable wines destined only for patios, porch swings, beach blankets and seaside terraces - not that there’s anything wrong with that. Although plentiful and often mass-produced, many of these wines are of very good quality and won’t put a big dent in your wine budget. But did you know that rosé, in fact, can offer complexity, nuance and versatility in styles ranging from sparkling to dry, off-dry and even lusciously, unctuously sweet? Because of this, all sorts of pairing alternatives exist for seasonal flavors and cooking techniques. I pair rosé with everything from citrusy ceviche (see Domaine de Marquiliani below) to braised oxtails (Clos Cibonne – yum!). Actually, at my house, rosé makes an annual appearance on the table at Thanksgiving, throughout the holiday season, around the fire pit in the interminable Maine winter and on the kitchen terrace during the six weeks here commonly known as summer. The list below offers a range of grape varieties, regions and styles that have gotten me through 2020 – thus far.
Domaine de Marquiliani Vin de Corse Rosé 2018
· Refreshing and citrusy with a faint sea salt tang. Eyes closed and I'm lounging in Porto-Vecchio.
Clos Cibonne Cuvée Tradition Côtes de Provence 2018
· Savory, dark red fruit. Earthy with tons of umami. Blindfolded, I might call it a red wine.
Brundlmayer Brut Rosé NV Langenlois, Austria
· So elegant with creamy bubbles; a hint of soft green herbs. Transports breakfast bubbles to dizzy heights.
Reeve Rosé of Pinot Noir “Vecino Vineyard” Mendocino County 2019
· Fragrantly floral and delicate; spritely red fruit, but not a shrinking violet.
Massaya Rosé Bekaa Valley Lebanon 2018
· Cinsault and Syrah translates into bright red berry fruit and smoke.
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé 2019
A classic producer. Meaty Mourvèdre rosé at its apex.